THE beatification of Cardinal John Henry Newman, the most famous British convert to Catholicism, moved a step closer yesterday.

Cardinal Newman, above, was the leader of the influential Oxford Movement – a city group of High Church Anglicans – but became one of the Catholic Church’s most powerful writers. He died in 1890.

The Vatican raised the likelihood of the beatification of Cardinal Newman last year. Pope Benedict XVI yesterday recognised the healing of Deacon Jack Sullivan, in Boston, in the United States in 2001, as a miracle following prayers for Cardinal Newman’s intercession.

This decision means the beatification is now certain to take place, although no date has yet been provided.

Father Paul Chavasse, the Provost of Newman’s community at the Oratory in Birmingham, said: “The Holy Father’s decision is one of great significance for the whole Church.

“I pray that Newman, by the example of his life and the depth of his teaching, will be received as an authentic guide for Catholics everywhere.

“It is surely providential that the Beatification of this great English theologian will occur in the pontificate of Benedict XVI, a major theologian in his own right whom Cardinal Newman has influenced profoundly.”

In 1991, Pope John Paul II recognised the virtuous life of Cardinal Newman and granted him the title ‘venerable’.

He will continue to be called ‘the Venerable Servant of God’ until he is beatified or declared “Blessed”.